Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a question or a query? Before you contact us, please have a look at the list of frequently asked questions below. We have tried to cover the majority of the basic questions that we get asked on a daily basis. If you still can’t find the answers you are looking for, get in touch with us by email or chat and we will gladly provide you with more information.
What is a retail barcode?
A bar code is an image-based machine readable code, made up of a series of vertical black lines, set against a white background.
Bar codes are used by retailers (both on and offline) to manage the purchase, storage and sales of retail products within an integrated digital point-of-sales system.
Do I need a barcode?
You will need a barcode if you fit one of the following basic criteria:
1. You have a new product that you want to sell in a store or online retailer.
2. You have a new book /magazine/ newspaper that you are launching.
3. You have released a music album, and are wanting to list the songs on Itunes/google play.
4. You are wanting to manage your warehouse/stock more efficiently through the use of barcodes.
Which type of product barcode do I need?
There are two primary barcode types to choose from in the retail space, EAN and UPC. EAN codes (International Article Numbers) are used for retailers outside of the USA and Canada, while UPC codes (Universal Product Codes) are used throughout the US and much of the rest of North America.
In most cases retailers are able to accept either type of code, but just in case, we always supply your barcodes in both formats.
Each individual retail product that you would like to sell will need its own unique retail barcode. There are two primary barcode types to choose from in the retail space, EAN (13-digits) and UPC (12-digits).
EAN codes (International Article Numbers) are used for retailers outside of the USA and Canada, while UPC codes (Universal Product Codes) are used throughout the US
and much of the rest of North America.
In most cases retailers are able to accept either type of code, but just in case, we always supply you with both formats.
Case barcodes are used when shipping large quantities of a single product in boxes, cartons or pallets. The barcodes are 14-digits in length, and allow distributers and retailers to process large numbers of products without having to
individually scan each item.
ISBN barcodes are used for books and other once-off publications. ISBN numbers are traditionally 13-digits in length, however in some cases an additional 5-digit add-on is required.
You will not need to purchase a separate product barcode, the ISBN number will serve the purpose of a traditional retail barcode in book stores.
An added benefit of purchasing an ISBN barcode with us is that we throw in free international registration of your book, which means that you publication will show up on all international databases and libraries.
ISSN numbers are used for regular/periodical publications such as magazine, newspapers and journals. ISSN numbers are traditionally 13-digits in length with an additional 3-5 digit number used to denote the issue number. Please note that you will need to update your ISSN barcode with each issue that you publish.
We include full international registration of your publication with each order, which means that you publication will appear on all international databases and
libraries.
The term GTIN-number represents a family of number-types which are used to track and manage retail products within the retail industry. There are a wide variety of GTIN numbers available, including GTIN 8 (EAN-8), GTIN 12 (UPC-A), GTIN 13 (EAN-13) and GTIN 14 (UCC-128 or ITF-14). Each of these numbers are used for different purposes within the retail sector.
GTIN numbers traditionally contain 14-digits, however in most cases the actual useful numbers are fewer that 13-digits, with padding provided through the use of 0’s.
When purchasing barcodes through our store, you will be receiving original, registered GTIN numbers, which can be used internationally.
Retailers use barcodes to track the sales of individual items within their stores. As such, a separate barcode will be required for each variation of your product. This means that you will need a unique code for each flavour, style and size of your product.
If you are in any doubt over what constitutes a variation of your product, please contact our team.
In the case of the USA and Canada, retailers traditionally use the UPC barcode format while, in the rest of the world, EAN-13 codes are the barcodes of choice. These lines are, however, often blurred and in many cases retailers are able to use both EAN and UPC codes within their inventory systems.
While we cannot speak for the specific barcoding systems used by any one particular retailer across the world, our barcodes are internationally registered and should be accepted in most countries where the barcoding system is in use.
No, product information is not stored within a barcode. When registering your product with a new retailer, they will be insert your product information into their digital inventory system and, at the same time, they will log your GTIN numbers.
No, due to the fact that different retailers apply different pricing structures to each product, the price is not stored inside the barcode itself.
All our codes are valid for life, with no expiry date.
At Barcodes-Direct we do not charge a licencing fee, our prices are once-off.
As soon as your barcodes registration process has been completed, we will send you a notification. You will then need to log into your account on Barcodes-direct, where you will be able to download your barcode package in full.
Barcode packages usually take between 20 mins and 2 hours to complete, depending on the size and complexity of the order. If you have not received your order within 24 hours of purchase, please contact our support team, and we will gladly provide you with a status update.
For purchase, please go to our online store, where you will be guided through the purchase process in a quick and efficient manner.
When in doubt, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our support team.
Head Office:
1989 Ralston Avenue
Richmond, California,
94805, USA
info@barcodes-direct.com
(+1) 11 93423223
Barcodes-Direct is a leading registrar of certified barcodes in the USA, and beyond. We specialize in the detailed design and registration of a wide variety of codes, and look forward to partnering with you and your business. Put us to the test!
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